Extended phase-mode logic-circuits with resistive ground contact

Abstract

We present extended phase-mode logic (EPL) circuits which have resistive ground contact. The phase-mode logic utilizes magnetic flux-transfer and is based on pulse propagation, i.e., it is one of single flux quantum systems. The proposed logic circuits of the EPL family can have the same ground reference, contrary to the original phase-mode circuits, Therefore, it is possible to couple different EPL elements on a single ground reference. Basic components of the EPL family (a phase-conserving branch, a phase-distributing branch, and an INHIBIT gate controlled by fluxon) are presented. The phase-distributing branch and the INHIBIT gate have been fabricated using a Nb/AlO/sub x//Nb Josephson-junction technology and tested. A fan-in operation of the phase-distributing branch and the first full operation of the INHIBIT gate are successfully demonstrated. As an example of the EPL logic circuits consisting of plural gates on a single ground reference, a simulation of a 2-bit full adder circuit is also presented. >